Matrescence with multiples

Matrescence is a term originally coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the mid-1970s and is essentially the process of becoming a mother. In recent years the term has been revived with an appreciation of how the transitional period, from birth experiences to caring for infants in the first few months, shapes both the mother and their infant&s;s mental health within the family relationships they exist in. By contributing to the discourses of infant mental health this chapter explores how birth practices, infant care and family relationships are understood, managed and navigated with multiple infants. Multiple pregnancies in England are deemed high risk, with medical interventions routinely carried out. The birth experience and perinatal period can have a lasting impact not just on the mother but also the infant and family relationships. In making sense of these key topics the chapter provides a reflective account of both the author&s;s experience and parents who have experienced multiples. Infant care will be included with consideration of both conceptual understanding about the importance of communication, bonding and attachment as well as more practical ways in supporting multiple infants. This will include routine care needs being met as well as aspects about the benefits of interactional play opportunities from birth.